By NATASHA BRENNEMAN
Staff writer
Clarion County has been awarded a $260,000 grant to help with the implementation of treatment for first episode psychosis.
The announcement of the allocation of the competitive statewide grant was made during the commissioners meeting on Tuesday.
First episode psychosis refers to the first time someone experiences psychotic symptoms or a psychotic episode, Clarion County Human Services Director Kay Rupert said. Clarion is one of only two counties in the state to be awarded the grant.
According to Rupert, the state targeted rural areas for the development of the services. In Clarion County, the money will be used for staff training, and support and peer services for individuals experiencing their first psychotic episode.
“We will look to the psychiatric center and the university to help more people,” Rupert said.